Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Adam Hadwin Rebounds After Display of Frustration at Valspar Championship
PGA Tour player Adam Hadwin has seemingly reconciled with golf’s unwritten rules of conduct after an incident displaying his irritation at the Valspar Championship. During the tournament held at Innisbrook, simmering frustration came to a head for Hadwin, culminating in a moment where he forcefully struck his club into the turf near the putting surface ahead of ultimately missing the cut.
Adding to a difficult sequence of play, after recording a double-bogey that pushed his score to three-over par – making a weekend appearance unlikely – the 2017 champion encountered an unforeseen problem. The Canadian golfer inadvertently made contact with a sprinkler head, activating the irrigation device. Video circulated on social media showing Hadwin’s attempts to stop the spray of water, which proved unsuccessful until assistance from course personnel arrived.
Show of Remorse and Amends
However, displaying contrition for his actions, Hadwin returned to the course and, according to Ryan Stewart, the resort’s agronomy director, proactively addressed the situation. Stewart reported that Hadwin personally compensated for the damaged sprinkler and treated the groundskeeping staff to lunch.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Stewart expressed gratitude: “A big thank you to Adam Hadwin for paying for that sprinkler head and buying our staff lunch. That was a great touch and our staff loved it. Thank you again.”
Reports indicate Hadwin and his wife, Jessica, provided Chipotle for the course maintenance team, setting up a build-your-own meal station as a gesture of apology, alongside replacing the damaged sprinkler component.
Broader Context of Golfer Conduct at Valspar
The Valspar Championship tournament witnessed more than just Hadwin’s visible annoyance. Earlier in the week, Patton Kizzire reacted intensely to a missed putt by kicking his putter and sending it across the green. Kizzire subsequently withdrew from the competition amidst widespread disapproval, including public comments from fellow professional Rory McIlroy.
Prior to the Houston Open, McIlroy commented on recent outbursts of player conduct, noting the delicate balance between understandable human reaction and professional decorum. “It can be relatable, but at the same time, you want to try to set a proper example,” McIlroy stated. He emphasized concern about young fans potentially mimicking such conduct.
“But at the same time, it does show that we are human, and it shows the human side to ourselves. But at the same time, we have a responsibility to set an example, and golf is a lot about the etiquette of the game and doing the right thing. There’s a balance to be struck there,” McIlroy concluded, highlighting the inherent need for restraint and responsible behavior in golf.
Kizzire’s Acknowledgment and Apology
Subsequently, Kizzire issued an apology for his conduct and the world No. 134 ranked player pledged to improve his on-course demeanor.
“I wasn’t feeling well, and I certainly lost my cool,” Kizzire conveyed in a social media post. “It wasn’t my putter’s fault; I just lost my cool and it’s unacceptable. I’m looking forward to being a better version of myself and I appreciate you guys understanding.”